2019 Château La Mission Haut-Brion, Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux

A thoroughbred tugging at the reins. Deep colour. Lifted and racy on the nose with a hint of cassis. Ripe and mouth-filling, then a charge of fine

Drink 2030 - 2050

Wonderful sweet fruit and floral aromatics. Great freshness and life here; tannins are present, chalky and consuming, but in a great way. The mouthfeel is excellent and really stands out - the deep cherry, plum and blackcurrant fruit pulsing underneath the tannins with cooling menthol and mouthwatering freshness on top, so you get power and lift! One of the more open wines at this point, with so much charm. Approachable and showing off, but still a lot more to give in time. A brilliant wine. 53% Merlot, 39.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7.5% Cabernet Franc.

Drink 2027 - 2047

A tight and structured La Mission that takes you deep into the glass with super intensity and power. The tannins are omnipresent and envelop the palate. It’s full-bodied yet agile and complete. Iodine, sweet tobacco and blackberry character. It seems never to finish. Another WOW wine that reminds me of some of the great classics of this estate, such as the 1955.

The 2019 La Mission Haut-Brion unwinds in the glass with aromas of inky berry fruit, wild plums and cherries mingled with notions of warm spices, burning embers and creamy new oak. Full-bodied, deep and layered, it's rich and concentrated, with a deep core of fruit, bright acids and fine, powdery tannins. Powerful and tightly wound, this is less sumptuous and demonstrative out of the gates than its sibling, Haut-Brion, but I suspect it possesses even more tremendous potential.

Drink 2033 - 2070